2005 BMW 130i M Sport

[F1GTR]

Following February’s announcement of the much-anticipated six-cylinder BMW 130i, BMW UK has confirmed the September 2005 introduction of the most potent 1 Series to date – the new 265 bhp BMW 130i.

Taking BMW’s lightweight magnesium-alloy six-cylinder 258 bhp petrol engine as a basis, BMW engineers have wrung every last drop of power from the revolutionary powerplant, making the BMW 130i six-cylinder the most powerful engine in its class and the most powerful six-cylinder engine under a BMW bonnet, bar the M3. It is also the only car in its segment to offer a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout – the optimum set-up for on-road dynamics.

Taking BMW’s renowned attention-to-detail to the extreme, the 1 Series engineering team have exploited the 1 Series’ exemplary air flow and cooling to extract even more performance out of the car at full throttle. As a result, the 130i now delivers 265 bhp, seven horsepower more than the 330i, 530i and 630i. Similarly, torque has also been uprated to 232 lb-ft from 221 lb-ft.

The improvements in engine output enable the car to deliver a class-leading zero to 62 mph time of 6.1 seconds while top speed remains limited to 155 mph. Consumption is still frugal with the 130i recording 30.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while the EU4 compliant power train produces just 221 g/km.

The exciting performance figures of the BMW 130i are due in part to the VANOS and VALVETRONIC valve opening and valve lift control mechanisms on the 2,996 cc engine that ensure optimum combustion and engine breathing at all times. An electrically driven water pump also cuts down on internal engine friction and improves efficiency. Power is transmitted to the road via a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

Additionally, for the first time on a 1 Series, customers are able to specify Active Steering. BMW’s innovative steering system varies the steering ratio depending on road speed and has been tuned specifically to the 130i.

M Sport Models

Complementing the class-leading performance of the BMW 130i is the announcement of a new range of M Sport models across the 1 Series range and on other BMW variants.

At the front, M Sport models have a lower front spoiler styled for increased aerodynamic efficiency while at the side, sculpted sills change the profile of the car. At the rear, a venturi cut-out in the rear bumper further accentuates the sporting theme. Bespoke 17- or 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, M Sports suspension and high-gloss Shadow Line finish the exterior package.

Standard interior trim for M Sport models includes Sports seats in an exclusive cloth / leather combination, M leather steering wheel, M doorsill finishes and an Individual anthracite headlining.

Similar M Sport interior and exterior enhancements will be available from September 2005 on 3 and 5 Series and X3 models and the new styling is expected to be offered on more models in the future.

Specs:
Engine
Type: Inline-6
Displacement cu in (cc): 183 (2996)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 265(198) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 232(315) / n.a.
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R: R17
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: n.a.
Weight lb (kg): n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 6.1
Top Speed mph (km/h): 155 (250)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.

 

[TheCracker]

Its still fugly

 

[TwinTurboJay]

Ugly ? No way, the M Coupe was an ugly car, this one is a beauty in comparison, its like a practical M3, enough room to haul the wife, dog, and gear when going camping, at a very decent rate of speed !

 

[donbenni]

It's gotta cost at least £30K though right?

If so, isn't it going to end up bridging the hatchback market and something else?

Oh well, we'll see about that later. It's pretty nice, got the M feel to it and it's bound to go like stink. Just the price that's the current issue with the current models of the 1 series.

 

[F1GTR]

Price is the issue there.I can't see myself spending £30k on a hatchback

 

[TheCracker]

Ugly ? No way, the M Coupe was an ugly car, this one is a beauty in comparison, its like a practical M3, enough room to haul the wife, dog, and gear when going camping, at a very decent rate of speed !

But its smaller than a 3 series - how can it be more practical? - a similar sized Focus has better internal space with its better packaged FWD lay-out.

The 1 series is a pointless, ugly little car for those who desperate to have a BMW badge on the front of their motor.

 

[maccie]

The 1 series is a pointless, ugly little car for those who desperate to have a BMW badge on the front of their motor.

Exactly
Just like the mercedes A-class

 

[TwinTurboJay]

But its smaller than a 3 series - how can it be more practical? - a similar sized Focus has better internal space with its better packaged FWD lay-out.

The 1 series is a pointless, ugly little car for those who desperate to have a BMW badge on the front of their motor.

A car with those small dimensions, good power and a rear drive layout and people are complaining ?

 

[///M-Spec]

A car with those small dimensions, good power and a rear drive layout and people are complaining ?

Strange, isn't it?

Oddly, the market that most needs the car is one that isn't going to get it. There is a strong perception in the North American market that BMWs are getting too long, wide, heavy and complicated.

Consider the new E90 3-Series is almost as large as the '97-04 E39 5-Series and easily larger than the '89-95 5 in every dimension. In other words, the entry-level Bimmer is now larger than the mid-range car from a couple generations back. It also has enough techno goodies stuffed in it that would make a 735i from the early 90s look like a Hyundai Accent from the mid-90s.

I read a lot of griping from enthusiasts that BMW needs to return to it's simple and smaller roots pioneered in the 70s. No iDrive, no Active Steering, no gimmicks. Just a straighforward, uncomplicated and honest car that carries the core virtues of the brand: a practical car with a lot of agility and performance. A lot of people feel the 1-Series is it.

The 130 also has a better power/weight ratio than an E36 M3 (US market) and can lap the Ring in 8'40ish.


M

 

[TheCracker]

A car with those small dimensions, good power and a rear drive layout and people are complaining ?

Who needs, and whats the point in a small, practical* car with rear wheel drive?

*not as practical as a simillar sized front driver

 

[Duke]

I read a lot of griping from enthusiasts that BMW needs to return to it's simple and smaller roots pioneered in the 70s. No iDrive, no Active Steering, no gimmicks. Just a straighforward, uncomplicated and honest car that carries the core virtues of the brand: a practical car with a lot of agility and performance.

I agree. I read in an ad in Evo that BMW even has some meddling brake modulator that brings you to smoother stops (I assume by slightly backing off the braking pressure just before the car stops). Combined with all the other computer-controlled "think for you" devices they've added, it would be like driving Microsoft Word. I'd be constantly second-guessing what the various systems were going to do to screw me up in the name of "making the task easier".

[edit] The Cracker: I, for one, would definitely love a small, practical 4-door with good power and RWD. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I just don't like the new BMW styling - this car may be dynamically great, but statically, it's a dog to me.

 

[///M-Spec]

Who needs, and whats the point in a small, practical* car with rear wheel drive?

*not as practical as a simillar sized front driver

Maybe someone who figures giving up an inch or so in the rear seating area is worth getting 50/50 weight distribution and rear drive handling dynamics in return?


M

 

[TheCracker]

Maybe someone who figures giving up an inch or so in the rear seating area is worth getting 50/50 weight distribution and rear drive handling dynamics in return?

With so many, in Europe at least, front drivers that are cheaper, more practical (the 1 series also has poor boot space to go with the poor rear leg room) and perform just as well - make the 1 series seem pretty pointless.
From what i've seen of 1's in the UK, the people who drive them will never use more than 50% of the cars ability anyway.

 

[Dave A]

I don't think BMW would put out a hot hatch for £30k, they just wouldn't shift enough of them, I'd expect it to be priced around £25k then it'll be in competition sales wise with people buying lower spec Impreza's which is really the market a car with this performance and image will be in.

 

[///M-Spec]

With so many, in Europe at least, front drivers that are cheaper, more practical (the 1 series also has poor boot space to go with the poor rear leg room) and perform just as well - make the 1 series seem pretty pointless.

Which cars are you thinking of?

From what i've seen of 1's in the UK, the people who drive them will never use more than 50% of the cars ability anyway.

Well, I think it's pretty safe to say that goes for any car.


M

 

[JNasty4G63]

.....I'd expect it to be priced around £25k then it'll be in competition sales wise with people buying lower spec Impreza's which is really the market a car with this performance and image will be in.

You are correct. According to the BMW UK site, the car starts at 24.7K for 130i SE, and 26.5K for 130i M Sport.

Hilg

 

[humbo]

I agree. I read in an ad in Evo that BMW even has some meddling brake modulator that brings you to smoother stops (I assume by slightly backing off the braking pressure just before the car stops). Combined with all the other computer-controlled "think for you" devices they've added, it would be like driving Microsoft Word. I'd be constantly second-guessing what the various systems were going to do to screw me up in the name of "making the task easier".

I saw that brake modulator thing being advertised on the website, but so far I haven't seen it in action, I still have to ease off the brake at the end for a smooth stop. Or maybe I'm supposed to keep my foot in the same place for it to work.

I'm also not a big fan of the new key system with the start/stop button. Are there really that many people that don't know how to start up a car properly?

Anyways, if the 1 series had already been released in North America I might have picked it over the 3 series. But neither would have been my top choice.

Audi A3 FOR THE WIN! *flees from topic*

 

[TheCracker]

Which cars are you thinking of?

Off the top of my head - hotter versions of the Audi A3, Mk5 Golf GTi, the late Focus RS, the new 217bhp Mk2 Focus ST - when it arrives, 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR...

 

[///M-Spec]

Off the top of my head - hotter versions of the Audi A3, Mk5 Golf GTi, the late Focus RS, the new 217bhp Mk2 Focus ST - when it arrives, 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR...

Well let's see;

The Audi 3.2 Quattro with S-pack is £25,390 in the UK, and unavailable in the US. It weighs 3,295 lbs and packs 257 hp, giving up the power/weight ratio to the 130i M Sport, which is lighter and more powerful. Pricing is within spitting distance of each other, with the SE and M Sport splitting the Quattro. Looks like they are direct competetors to me.

The Mk V GTI weighs 2945 lbs, but only comes to the party with 200 hp, meaning it has an even worse power/weight ratio plus it's hobbled by the lack of an LSD. In the UK, it is £20,495, which makes it a load cheaper than the either the Bimmer or Audi, but doesn't really come close in terms of overall performance.

None of the other cars you mentioned comes close to the power/weight of the 130i, so I'm not sure where the performance parity comes into play. The Focus RS has a might have a fighting chance at lower speeds, but it's geared like a truck and has real trouble putting the power down cleanly. Plus, it's handling isn't exactly well received according to your UK press.

Now, if you want to compare them to the anemic, hamster powered 120i, by all means. I've always thought that car was missing about 30-40 hp or priced a few grand too high.

But the 130 is in another playing field all together. BMW would stand to sell a boat load of these things in the US market it they price it below $30k USD.


M

 

[Duke]

You're still ignoring my "Microsoft Word" comment...

 

[Danoff]

It's a stationwagon. I just can't get excited about it. Four doors means no hatchback to me. However, this car does look more attractive than most of the other BMW models out there right now.

 

[Dave A]

Eh, how does 4 passenger doors stop a car being a hatchback? The TVR Sagaris is a hatchback, the Ford Focus estate is a hatchback, I don't see how the fact that a door on the back of a car (the hatch at the back) isn't the deciding factor for you.

 

[///M-Spec]

You're still ignoring my "Microsoft Word" comment...

Oh, I'm not ignoring it. I just don't have any reason to disagree with it. Why argue with a perfectly reasonable statement?

About the only thing I'll add along these lines is that BMW still lets you turn all the driver stability aids off, except for ABS (and that can easily be defeated by pulling the ABS jumper in the fusebox if you really, REALLY want to).

Contrast this with their friends in Stuttgart, where even if you turn the systems "off" they are still on and will automatically reactivate if you slip up.

FWIW, the brake modulator feature you describe is completely transparent in normal usage. I drove a new 330i a few months ago and didn't even know about the feature until I read about it. It's not as bad as some people make it out to be.


M

 

[Duke]

Oh, I'm not ignoring it. I just don't have any reason to disagree with it. Why argue with a perfectly reasonable statement?

About the only thing I'll add along these lines is that BMW still lets you turn all the driver stability aids off, except for ABS (and that can easily be defeated by pulling the ABS jumper in the fusebox if you really, REALLY want to).

ABS I'm not so worried about. It's other forms of thinking for me that really get my GTO.

I'm glad you can turn them off, but does that mean a binnacle full of amber warning lights telling you that you should turn them on again?

 

[///M-Spec]

ABS I'm not so worried about. It's other forms of thinking for me that really get my GTO.

You're an analog guy in a digital world

MOST of BMW's new gimmicks are not noticable unless you look for them.

The only real worry --and the feature that is hardest to get used to-- is the variable steering ratio. BMW's system is based on vehicle speed. Very weird. That means you can take a 90 degree left hand turn and how far you need to turn the wheel depends on how fast you're going.

Not cool. 👎 I drove a 545i Sport with this feature and didn't like it at all.

However, BMW has seen fit to make Active Steering a stand alone option, meaning you can avoid it like the plague. 👍

I've been reading on Porsche's version, which simply increases steering output based on how far you turn the wheel. This makes way more sense to me and is probably much more natural than BMW's bizaare setup.

At some point, I'm going to need to drive a 987 Boxster S PASM to check it out.

I'm glad you can turn them off, but does that mean a binnacle full of amber warning lights telling you that you should turn them on again?

You get two amber lights. One to let you know that you've turned off the traction control, and one to let you know you've turned off the stability control. They're not particularly annoying to me. However, holding down the button for 3 seconds is a hassle. (1 touch, traction control off, stability control still on, 3 second press = everything off)


M

 

[JCE]

Cool looking car...way too much cost. But at least BMW is trying to make all of thier models appeal to a larger audience...even though that audience has too much money to spend. But I will say the Audi A3 has got to the best looking hot hatch coming out of Germany.

 

[TheCracker]

Well let's see;

The Audi 3.2 Quattro with S-pack is £25,390 in the UK, and unavailable in the US. It weighs 3,295 lbs and packs 257 hp, giving up the power/weight ratio to the 130i M Sport, which is lighter and more powerful. Pricing is within spitting distance of each other, with the SE and M Sport splitting the Quattro. Looks like they are direct competetors to me.
The Mk V GTI weighs 2945 lbs, but only comes to the party with 200 hp, meaning it has an even worse power/weight ratio plus it's hobbled by the lack of an LSD. In the UK, it is £20,495, which makes it a load cheaper than the either the Bimmer or Audi, but doesn't really come close in terms of overall performance.
None of the other cars you mentioned comes close to the power/weight of the 130i, so I'm not sure where the performance parity comes into play. The Focus RS has a might have a fighting chance at lower speeds, but it's geared like a truck and has real trouble putting the power down cleanly. Plus, it's handling isn't exactly well received according to your UK press.
Now, if you want to compare them to the anemic, hamster powered 120i, by all means. I've always thought that car was missing about 30-40 hp or priced a few grand too high.
But the 130 is in another playing field all together. BMW would stand to sell a boat load of these things in the US market it they price it below $30k USD.

Actually, looking at the costs the 130i does look pretty good value for its performance - i've not read any reviews on it, but on paper it looks better than i first thought. I just find its looks offensive to my eyes, and the sort of person who will buy them just puts me off it. In the UK at least, there are a few BMW models - X5, X3, Z3, Z4, M3 convertables and now the 1 Series, that just seem to attract total tossers. every single M3 drop-top is driven by someone in sunglasses, no matter what the weather, and have a mobile phone permantly attached to their ear.

 

[///M-Spec]

In the UK at least, there are a few BMW models - X5, X3, Z3, Z4, M3 convertables and now the 1 Series, that just seem to attract total tossers. every single M3 drop-top is driven by someone in sunglasses, no matter what the weather, and have a mobile phone permantly attached to their ear.

Hey, it's not the car's fault who ends up buying it.

BMWs pretty much the have the same rep. here in the States. But I figure the car is for me to drive and enjoy and what other people think about it is pretty much irrelevant. The day I give a hoot what Joe Sixpack in the other lane thinks about my car is the day he starts making payments on it.


M

 

[VIPFREAK]

ugh... why... what's the point?

 

[TVRKing]

I've always though that the 1 series was just totally pointless.

This new car is even more pointless.